Exploring the fascinating interplay between these two biological mechanisms and why it's important for pet health.

Genetics and epigenetics are two of a few terms that are frequently thrown around when it comes to knowing what makes us—and our pets—tick.
But what do these terms really mean? And why should pet parents—particularly the many of us who really care about holistic health—care about the relationship between the two? Let’s dig into the science, with a bit of anological relatability .
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Genetics—The Blueprint of Life
Genetics is the study of DNA—the biological instruction book that defines us. In practical terms, DNA is the code that determines characteristics like eye color, fur length, and even breed-specific tendencies toward certain medical issues. We each inherit a unique combination of DNA from our parents, like a family recipe passed down through the generations; the same is true of our pets.
A Golden Retriever, for instance, may inherit genes for a lush, golden coat or a predisposition to hip dysplasia. From the moment of conception, these traits are carved into their genetic blueprint. Think of genetics like the hardware—immutable but essential to how the system runs.
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Epigenetics: The Software That Modifies the Blueprint
Epigenetics is the study of how external influences—like your pet’s environment, circadian rhythms, blue light, Wi-Fi, other non native EMFs, and even diet—can affect gene expression.
Gene expression is like flipping a switch of your pet's DNA to decide which genes are "turned on" or "turned off." When a gene is "on," it’s actively doing its job—like creating proteins that help build muscles, fight off infections, or keep energy levels balanced. If it’s "off," that gene stays dormant, like a light that’s switched off in a room.
Or another analogy would be to think of it like installing software updates on your computer—those updates don’t change the hardware itself, but they sure do impact how it runs!
Gene expression is the process that decides which parts of the manual are used at any given moment, helping your pet’s body respond to its environment, stay healthy, and function smoothly.
So, for example, a dog with a genetic predisposition for obesity may or may not stay thin depending on diet, exercise, environmental toxins, and so forth, that express—or don’t express—whatever that gene is. In much the same way, epigenetics can decide if a pet’s life is shortened by chronic illness or extended by healthy lifestyle decisions.
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The Genetics & Epigenetics Relationship
The simplest way to understand the relationship between genetics and epigenetics is to envision a book:
Genetics:
Think of genetics like the full text of a book, written in stone. These are the words and sentences that can’t be changed—they’re etched in for life!
Epigenetics:
Epigenetic modifications are like annotations scribbled in the margins of a book. These notes can completely change how the story is read! For example, some genes, like key chapters, might be highlighted to ensure they’re read and used, just like highlighting important text. Others might be crossed out or muted, silencing their expression as if they were flagged to skip over. And then there are the sticky notes—helpful little reminders or instructions about how, when, or how much to focus on certain parts of the text.
Together, these annotations shape how to  read the book (aka: process the information/ story) and most importantly, how to read/ process it without rewriting the text.
When it comes to our pets, it means that genetics sets the stage, and epigenetics gives us the chance to intervene. You can’t change your dog’s DNA, but you can affect how their genes are expressed by offering a proper diet, clean living conditions, and a low-stress lifestyle.
Many pet parents think that genetic predispositions equal a life sentence: “My dog is doomed to get [insert scary condition here]." But epigenetics offers a more hopeful narrative. It’s a reminder that our choices have an impact not only in our own lives but in our pets’ lives, as well.
One such example would be raw feeding. by providing a species-appropriate diet full of nutrients, you’re turning on epigenetic markers that will help enable health and vitality. Likewise, minimizing exposure to environmental toxins—such as pesticides and highly processed pet food—can be useful in preventing harmful genes from being turned on.
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Epigenetic Influencers
Environmental Toxins:
Chemicals such as BPA have been associated with dysregulated epigenetics, so it is critical to create clean environments for our pets. (Skinner et al., 2013)
Influence of Diet:
Research in both humans and animals has demonstrated that diets containing omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vital nutrients can have a positive influence on gene expression. (Feinberg et al., 2010)
Stress and Behavior:
Chronic stress can activate genes linked to inflammation and disease, but nurturing environments can do the reverse. (Meaney et al., 2004)
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A Hopeful Future
Epigenetics, at its finest, is an empowering phenomenon. It’s a reminder that while we can’t control the genetic hand we—or our pets—are dealt, but how the cards we're dealt are played is within our influence.
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In Summary
Genetics and epigenetics work together like a story in a book. Genetics lays down the paragraphs, words, and sentences—the unchanging text. Epigenetics, on the other hand, adds the context, shaping how those words are read, understood, and expressed. It’s the difference between simply having a book and bringing its story to life.
Understanding the relationship is a game-changer when it comes to keeping our fur babies in peak condition.
So here’s to diving into the science, making informed choices, and crafting the healthiest, happiest chapters in our pets’ lives. After all, they’re counting on us—and with epigenetics on our side, we’ve got more tools than ever to help them thrive!

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Citations
Skinner, M. K., et al. (2013). Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of altered stress responses. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(23), 9533–9538.Â
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Feinberg, A. P., & Irizarry, R. A. (2010). Stochastic epigenetic variation: a driving force of development, evolutionary adaptation, and disease. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 107(Suppl 1), 1757–1764. Â
Meaney, M. J., et al. (2004). Haiyan Zhang, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 28(3), 217–226.